How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

My family doctor suggested it. Intially I said NO, I would do it on my own. After a year of being unsuccessful in my own weight loss attemtps I decided to consider it.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

I was funded through the Ontario government. My doctors filled out the paper work and OHIP sent me an approval letter. There was no stress of difficulty for me.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

Canadian patients where allowed to attend the information seminar, group meal plan description and appointment all on the same day. It was somewhat overwhelming as I was still not 100% sold on the idea of WLS. The surgeon was patient but was focused on RNY procedure. When prompted he answered all my questions re: other options.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

Lack of success with my own weight loss efforts even with a Nutritionist direction.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

RNY was the procedure I had read the most about. It was also the suggestion of my surgeon eventhough he also performed DS.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I was quite concerned about the complications. I am a health care professional and understood just how wrong this procedure could go. I was aware that my only co-morbidities were my weight and sleep apeana and as such my risks were fewer than the majority of patients who also have HTN, CHF, DM, etc. To someone having this procedure now, I would say you need to understand the risks you are taking so you can make an informed decision. Ask themselves do they trust their surgeon and the advice they have been given. And finally are they comfortable with the level of risk that the surgeon has described to them.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

I told very few people about this procedure. My family was quite concerned as they were worried for my safety, however they supported my decision. Things I would have done differently, is not assume that my family would understand that I did not wish to share this information with everyone. My brother-in law told his mother who is constantly asking questions I do not want o answer. My family was supportive in respect to looking after me. However, I live with my sister and her family. They have not made any changes to their lifestyle that would assist me in making better food choices. I have had to completely separate myself at meal times and cook a different dinner that would be healthy. Also, Pre-op they would be constantly snaking on chips, sweets etc and stocking the house with those items. This made it very hard to stick to my diet.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

My employer was quite understanding. The employer had procedures in place for employees having surgery. As soon as I provided documentation that I was having surgery there were no difficulties.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

My hospital stay was quite good. Staff were friendly and helpful. I was in hospital for 2.5 days. I brought my own toiletries and did not need anything else.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I did have significant pain post op lasting about 24 hours. The staff provided IV pain medication as needed until pain was under better control. No other complaints.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was excited and worried at the same time. I questioned my decision constantly. I did not have a lot of support. I did finally locate a support group operating in my area and attended one session a couple of weeks before surgery.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

Initially I was constantly dizzy and lethargic. I had a couple of episodes where I over filled my pouch and this was quite a painfull experience lasting several hours. Gradually my energy level improved as I was able to take in more nutrition.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I live near Toronto, ON. I was referred for surgery in Rochester, NY at Highland Hospital. This was about a 2.5 hour drive. I was required to stay in Rochester for 1 week post op in case of any complications. I have had to commit to going to Rochester for all my pre-op and post op appointments and ongoing once a year after that indefinately. This is an added expense as the Ontario government does not pay for these visits, and they will not be covered by extended health benefits.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I have not had any serious food intolerances. Every now and then I find something just doesn't sit well. I started out trying new foods very slowly but gradually introduced new foods. I do have difficulty with veggies. I was never very good about getting my veggies pre-op and am finding it difficult to eat post op.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I began very slowly with walking several times a day for 15 mins at a time. I was able to increase on this over the period of a month to about a half hour 1-3 times a day. At 6 months post op I can comfortably go for a brisk walk lasting about 1 hour. I don't really have tome to make it longer. I get most of my walking in by going on my breaks at work and eating at my desk.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take Foltrin, multivit, colace, motillium, and pantoloc twice a day. I take a vitamin D supplement daily Currently I am taking additional iron supplements twice per day.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

At about 3 months post op I began to notice when I washed my hair my hand would be covered in strands of hair. I would have to wash the hair off my hands before proceeding with my shower. At 6 months post op this is still going on.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

I think my own expectations were the biggest obstical. I would read OH or speak with others in this process and they would have lost significantly more wieght than myself. My weight loss has been much slower than others and there are likely others who are in the same or worse predicament. However, I can't seem to help myself from being dissappointed by this. At the same time I am starting to go to stores and being able to buy some items outside of the plus size department. I now enjoy wearing clothes that fit where as before I never cared how outsided a piece of clothing was.

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

In terms of my immediate family, they have supported my decision but have not been helpful in terms of working through problems or keeping me on track. There is no one who would be willing to work out with me or help me figure out food choices. I have attended some support groups sessions in hamilton and brampton. I am not sure if this is very helpful at this point. I have attended about 4 sessions in total but haven't had any real revelations or felt improved after ward.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

Two of my scars are very small and not noticeable. A third is more noticeable but not bad. Two scars on my lower abdomen (panni area) are quite dark and noticeable. They are not raised or keloid in appearance except for the colour.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

I had a plateau in the first few weeks after surgery, then suddenly lost about 6 pounds in one week. Since then my weight loss has been fairly slow and steady at about 1-2 pounds a week. Since about the 5 month mark it has been more like 1 lbs a week. I currently seem to be in a stall for about 3 weeks were my wieght has not changed.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

I do get a lot of complements on my appearance from co-workers and family. I have noticed that in a mall or similar situation the person ahead of me is more likely to hold the door (male or female) than before.